Senior Soft Goods (Bags) Designer

San Diego Hat Company; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquarius LTD is seeking an experienced Senior Soft Goods Designer to join our design team in Carlsbad, CA. This role will translate emerging trends and customer needs into innovative bag collections and drive concepts from initial idea through final product.

You will manage development, create technical specs, collaborate with sourcing, and review samples to ensure cost targets, quality, and timing are met.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in bag design or soft goods.
• Strong portfolio with original bag concepts, commercial development, and technical execution.
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop; PLM experience preferred.
• Knowledge of bag construction, materials, components, trims, hardware, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and present innovative bag concepts and trend-driven collections.
• Lead development from concept through prototype to production approval.
• Create and maintain detailed technical specifications and design documentation.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Sourcing teams on materials, construction, and cost targets.
• Review samples, provide clear feedback, and drive revisions to meet design intent and quality.

Skills

Strong presentation

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Independent work

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design/Accessory Design/Product Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

PLM systems

Job description

Founded in a garage in 1969 starting with leather wristbands, Aquarius LTD has grown into one of the nation’s largest accessories manufacturers. Today, we offer licensed, company-owned, and private-label brands to nearly every major U.S. retailer. Product design and development remain at the heart of our business as we create innovative, trend-driven accessories for a diverse range of retail customers.

Position Overview

Aquarius LTD is seeking an experienced and highly creative Senior Soft Goods (Bags) Designer to join our design team in Carlsbad, CA. This individual will play a key role in developing and executing innovative bag collections, translating emerging trends and customer needs into commercially successful products.

The Senior Soft Goods Designer will oversee the design process from initial concept through final product execution, ensuring designs align with customer expectations, brand direction, target costs, and development timelines.

Design & Creative Direction

• Research and interpret current and emerging trends in fashion, accessories, materials, hardware, trims, colors, patterns, and consumer behavior.
• Develop innovative, market-relevant bag designs across categories such as handbags, totes, crossbody bags, backpacks, travel bags, and other soft goods.
• Create seasonal design concepts, mood boards, color palettes, material stories, sketches, CADs, and product presentations.
• Establish cohesive design direction across collections while balancing trend relevance, functionality, quality, and commercial viability.
• Translate customer briefs, market opportunities, and merchandising strategies into compelling product concepts.
• Present design concepts and recommendations to internal teams and customers, incorporating feedback into the design process.

Product Development & Technical Execution

• Lead the design process from concept development through prototyping, sample review, revisions, and final product approval.
• Create and maintain detailed technical specifications, including dimensions, materials, construction, trims, hardware, colors, and finishing details.
• Partner with Product Development and sourcing teams to identify appropriate materials, construction methods, and manufacturing solutions.
• Review samples and prototypes, provide clear design feedback, and drive revisions to ensure products meet design intent and quality expectations.
• Evaluate design decisions against target costs, product functionality, manufacturing capabilities, and production requirements.
• Communicate design intent and technical requirements effectively to vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Maintain accurate design documentation, CADs, specifications, and product information within internal systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessory Design, Product Design, or a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of professional experience in bag design, soft goods, accessories, or a related product design field.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating original design concepts, commercial product development, and technical execution in bags or soft goods.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with PLM systems and other relevant design software preferred.
• Strong knowledge of bag construction, materials, components, trims, hardware, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing technical specifications, reviewing prototypes, and managing sample revisions through production approval.
• Proven ability to interpret trends and customer requirements into commercially viable product designs.
• Strong understanding of target costing, product quality, functionality, and manufacturing considerations.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of design projects, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.